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With out completely removing the cranks and bottom bracket, how can I tell when it's time to replace my bottom bracket?

The current symptom is a slightly 'rough' feeling when I pedal. It's not constant, and it's not the pedals - I've swapped them out recently with nearly new ones.

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3 Answers

up vote 5 down vote accepted
  • Pull your cranks laterally. Do they move?
  • Give your cranks a good spin, preferably without the chain. Hear any unusual grinding noise or little clicks ?

If you answered no to both questions, keep pedalling. You're still fine.

It would be nice if the BB was always smooth as butter, but a little rough doesn't mean it's broken.

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up vote 3 down vote

I am going to assume we are dealing w/ a JIS style square taper bottom bracket for this issue. At least, I am going to address it as such.

If it is a cartridge style BB you really have no choice in repairing the less than perfect feel so either accept the roughness and look at a new one next season or switch her out when you feel.

If it is a loose ball and you are partial to it (ex: ti spindle) the roughness is a sign that you should get on servicing it asap. The roughness can come from contamination of the grease and result in the spindle race pitting and the cup races pitting as well. Once these are pitted you will most likely never get it back to that silky smooth feeling you so desire.

In reality, chances are it is a cartridge JIS BB.

Domsterr is spot on with the 'lateral' play issue. To add to the recommendation of spinning the cranks I would add the following:

  • take the chain off of the chain rings, when giving it a spin, as the chain will interfere with your ability to assess by ear.

  • hold the down tube or seat tube and 'feel' for the grinding through the frame. You would be surprised how effective that is. I use it regularly for assessing hub condition.

That's about all I've got.

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It is an older style shimano square taper BB. – Gary.Ray♦ Oct 11 '10 at 22:33
depending on where you live (ex: I live in Canada, there will be a crap ton of salt on the road soon) and how late into the winter you ride I would recommend you look at replacement next spring. No point to subjecting it to winters wrath (again, if you live in an area such as I do). – tplunket Oct 13 '10 at 0:37
up vote 1 down vote

If your crank is wobbling or there's a noise in your bottom bracket when you're pedalling, maybe it's time for you to replace your bottom bracket.

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"noise from bottom bracket" can also mean loose chainring bolts or a broken frame, and is most often the former. – David Mar 19 '12 at 3:18

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